61 Camshafts

[Leon Brown]

Hello all,
Where can I get some info on the camshafts used on the following 61 283 engines? I would like to know the lift and duration used in each.
CU = 2 x 4 Carb, High Lift Cam, 270 hp, Manual Trans
CT = 2 x 4 Carb, 245 hp, Manual Trans
CQ = 1 x 4 Carb., 230 hp, manual trans.

I've got an early 61 with sn100689. It's a Sept 60 built car.
I'm looking for a 3756519 complete engine with casting number before Sept 60. I'd take block and heads also. I'm looking through Driveline and plan on making some phone calls soon.

I'm starting to wonder if trying to find a correct engine and trans is worth the trouble or I should just put in a crate engine and drive the darn thing. What do you think?

Leon

[Duke W.]

Re: 61 Camshafts

Both cams are still available, either exact or nearly so. What engine configuration are you actually trying to replicate.

Duke

[Leon Brown]

Re: 61 Camshafts

Since the only thing original on my current junk motor is a good 1 x 4 intake and carb, so probably the 230 hp would be the most economical. the price of the dual qauds is very salty. So to answer your question, 230 hp config.

Although I would like the 245 and 270 hp cam specs also.
Thanks for the reply
Leon

[Verle R.]

Re: 61 Camshafts

Leon,

You are the only one who can decide to restore to original or "restify" to drive.

How original/good is the rest of the car?
What are your interests?

Go to your local chapter meetings and participate in their activities; meetings, judging classes, judging meets.

Maybe one idea would be to install a good running engine and drive it while taking your time to look for the correct block, heads, etc.

You could enjoy the car while learning more about NCRS and hopefully reduce your costs in accumulating the correct parts.

Verle

[Duke W.]

Re: 61 Camshafts

The 270 uses the Duntov cam. The other engines you listed use the "base cam", which is not longer available, but it was replaced by a very similar cam in 1967 that was used through 1980. You can buy replacements for either cam from Federal Mogul.

Duke

[Jack H.]

Verle gives you EXCELLENT advice!

There are a number of ways to participate in this club with your Corvette and it's NOT required that each/every member go turn 'baby' into a high cost museum piece they're afraid to drive/use! Getting active in your local chapter and learning about the alternative paths for you and your car is solid advice!

As an alternative to doing this at the chapter level, a good starting point is to buy and read the NCRS Judging Reference Manual (the 'white' book). It details all of the club's recognition programs and you can read and understand about alternative paths like the Founder's Award, the Sportman Award, Star/Bowtie awards for non-restored Corvettes, Etc.

In the end, only YOU can make that decision as to what to do with 'baby'... Remember, it's your car/your asset and you need to feel comfortable with the direction you take it in the restoration/preservation process. What you do NOT want to do is go spend excessive time & $$$ only to find out, at the end of the road, you wished you hadn't!!!

Last, remember this is a hobby/sport and not everything we do is rationale and economic. To some, the degree of personal pride that results from executing the 'anti-entropy' effort of a Top Drawer Corvette restoration is priceless...

[Leon Brown]

Re: Verle gives you EXCELLENT advice!

Thanks for the priceless guidance. I'm going in my office now and do some serious "thinking" on the matter. I'm currenlty pricing to go back to (want to use this term usely after reading the block stamping episode) "original" as possible just for self satisfaction. Once I've got all the numbers I'll make the decision.
Bottom line is to DRIVE and enjoy.
Verle, Jack and all that took the time to respond, Thanks once again.
Leon

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